Mid-Week Balance: 1 May 2013

Happy May Day! I know that most people don’t leave baskets of flowers on their neighbors’ doorsteps any longer, but maybe today’s roundup of amazing writing will be a mental bouquet for you. I am following my own advice and writing this post outside while I enjoy the gorgeous spring weather (before the snow is supposed to move in tomorrow–what??). Today kicks off National Cancer Research Month, so I have a section dedicated to the impact of cancer and the importance of focusing on research. I also have a section of grab-bag self-care goodies. Dig in!

National Cancer Research Month

Do you want to know why I make such a fuss about cancer research? It is because any cancer can become metastatic at any time. No matter how careful you are, no matter how many healthy choices you make. And then you are facing the experience that writer Lisa Bonchek Adams describes so powerfully in this post. We must do better.

Research needs to be paired with strong survivorship plans. #BCSM Community founder and advocate Jody Schoger explores some newly published guidelines for survivorship.

One issue that I want to highlight more in my resources is helping patients feel more educated, engaged and empowered as they deal with the medical system. So, when I found this post on KevinMD offering practical suggestions for hospital health and safety, I had to share it.

Chris Brogan is perhaps best known as a business consultant/inspirational speaker. However, this post on facing and overcoming fear felt relevant to many life situations.

It wouldn’t be a MWB roundup if I didn’t explore some aspect of mindfulness and meditation. I don’t want you to be disappointed, so I have two options for you today. First, Dr. Elisha Goldstein offers a short, practical gratitude practice that you can integrate easily into your day. I think you will find that this gratitude practice has a lot in common with the “on the go” suggestions for applying metta bhavana (lovingkindness) that are offered in the Wildmind 100 Days of Lovingkindness practice.

That’s it for me this week. I hope you found something helpful, and as always, please feel free to share your favorite resources in the comments.

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Disclaimer

Please do not substitute material on this site for direct consultation with a mental health professional. The information in this blog is general in nature. It is not intended to be used as a specific treatment recommendation or personal communication with any individual.